Joey Barton reacts to Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa’s comments ahead of West Ham clash

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Marcelo Bielsa has gained plenty of traction on social media after the Leeds United manager named his entire starting XI ahead of Friday’s clash against West Ham United – and Joey Barton has responded on Twitter.

Leeds play host to David Moyes’ in-form West Ham side on Friday night – with both sides coming into the game after a good run of results before both lost 3-1 at the weekend. Leeds suffered defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham also took the lead over Manchester United before losing on home soil, making Friday night’s match all-the-more difficult to predict. A contrast of styles, it is sure to be an exciting match for supporters of both clubs.

Bielsa was asked if he was to keep West Ham guessing when it comes to team selection, after both Robin Koch and Diego Llorente were ruled out – meaning Leeds are short at the back. But Bielsa responded, naming his starting XI.

“It could be Ayling, it could be Phillips,” Bielsa said, when asked who could replace Koch and Llorente. He then proceeded to name the entire side, with Rodrigo Moreno coming in for Koch – as per Leeds Live.

It means Leeds are likely to play Ayling at centre-back. Stuart Dallas is expected to move to right-back, something which he has done regularly under Bielsa – and then Rodrigo into midfield where Dallas played against Chelsea.

If Phillips starts at centre-back, Dallas could play alongside Mateusz Klich in holding midfield and Rodrigo as the club’s only attacking midfield. Either way, Barton was impressed – and gave a one-word response on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/Joey7Barton/status/1336688374124589064